Jack assembly

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a jack assembly including a jack mount having a front side and a rear side. A jack of the assembly is adapted to be slidably mounted in a jack receiving region of the jack mount. The jack assembly also includes a plurality of cross-connect contacts, and a rear interface assembly. The rear interface assembly includes a dielectric cover piece and a plurality of rear connectors that project outward from the dielectric cover piece.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/470,508,filed Dec. 22, 1999, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.09/191,213, filed Nov. 12, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,961, issuedSep. 12, 2000; which application(s) are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to cross-connect assemblies and,in particular, to jack assemblies for digital cross-connect systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A digital cross-connect system (DSX) provides a location forinterconnecting two digital transmission paths. The apparatus for a DSXis located in one or more frames, or bays, usually in a telephonecentral office. The DSX apparatus also provides jack access to thetransmission paths.

DSX jacks are well known and typically include a plurality of boressized for receiving tip-and-ring plugs. A plurality of spring contactsare provided within the bores for contacting the tip-and-ring plugs. Thejacks are typically electrically connected to digital transmissionlines, and are also electrically connected to a plurality of wiretermination members used to cross-connect the jacks. By inserting plugswithin the bores of the jacks, signals transmitted through the jacks canbe interrupted or monitored.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a jack assemblyincluding a jack mount having a front side and a rear side. A jack ofthe assembly is adapted to be slidably mounted in a jack receivingregion of the jack mount. The jack assembly also includes a plurality ofcross-connect contacts, and a rear interface assembly. The rearinterface assembly includes a dielectric cover piece and a plurality ofrear connectors that project outward from the dielectric cover piece.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to atelecommunications component including a jack mount having an open frontside and a closed back side. The jack mount further includes a top walland a bottom wall that define jack guides. Jacks are adapted forinsertion into the open front side of the jack mount and guided withinthe jack guides. The telecommunications component also includes aplurality of cross-connect contacts and rear connectors, thecross-connect contacts and the rear connectors being connected to atleast one circuit board.

A variety of advantages of the invention will be set forth in part inthe description that follows, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practicing the invention. It is to beunderstood that both the foregoing general description and the followingdetailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are notrestrictive of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the description, illustrate several aspects of the invention andtogether with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a chassis constructed in accordance withthe principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a jack in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the jack of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the jack of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an another jack in accordance withthe principles of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the jack of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the jack of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of jack mount in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a front view of a portion of the jack mount of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 10-10 of FIG.9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 11-11 of FIG.9;

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the jack mount of FIG. 8;

FIG. 13 is a rear view of the jack mount of FIG. 8;

FIG. 14 is an assembly view of the jack mount of FIG. 8;

FIG. 15 is a front exploded view of a jack mount and twisted pair rearinterface assembly in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 16 is a rear exploded view of the jack mount and twisted pair rearinterface assembly of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a side assembled view of the jack mount and twisted pair rearinterface assembly of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a schematic circuit diagram corresponding to the jack mountand twisted pair rear interface assembly of FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a front exploded view of a jack mount and coaxial rearinterface assembly in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the coaxial rear interfaceassembly of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of a connector constructed in accordancewith the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is an assembled side view of the connector of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 23-23 of FIG.22;

FIG. 24 is an exploded view of another connector constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is an assembled side view of the connector of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 26-26 of FIG.25;

FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the coaxial rear interface assembly ofFIG. 20;

FIG. 28 is a rear view of the coaxial rear interface assembly of FIG.20;

FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 28; and

FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of another portion of FIG. 28.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the presentinvention which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts.

I. Chassis Assembly

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a chassis 20 for housinga plurality of jack mounts 22. For clarity, only two jack mounts 22 areshown in FIG. 1. However, it will be appreciated that the chassis 20 isadapted for housing a plurality of jack mounts 22. To conform withconventional international standards, the chassis 20 can house 16 jackmounts 22 and have a length of about 19 inches. Alternatively, inaccordance with standard United States specifications, the chassis couldbe configured to house 21 jacks and have a length of about 23 inches. Ofcourse, other sizes and numbers of jack mounts could also be used.

The chassis 20 includes a top piece 24 positioned opposite from a bottompiece 26. The top and bottom pieces 24 and 26 are interconnected by leftand right side walls 28 and 30. The chassis 20 also includes a frontside 32 positioned opposite from a back side 34. The top piece 24includes separate front and back components 23 and 25. The frontcomponent 23 is connected to the chassis 20 by fasteners (e.g., screws)that extend through a front lip 27 of the front component 23 and engagefront tabs 29 provided on the side walls 28 and 30. The rear component25 is connected to the chassis 20 by fasteners (e.g., screws) thatextend downward through top tabs 31 provided on the side walls 28 and30. The rear component 25 defines a recessed lip 35 for receiving a rearportion of the front component 23 to form a joint thereinbetween. Theremovable front component 23 assists in inserting or removing the jackmounts 22 into or from the chassis 20.

A wire tray door 36 is connected to the bottom piece 26 adjacent thefront side 32 of the housing 20. A hinge 37 allows the door 36 to pivotbetween horizontal and vertical orientations. Latches 39 hold the door36 in the vertical orientation. Additionally, a rear flange 38 projectsupward from the bottom piece 26 adjacent the back side 34 of the chassis20. The rear flange 38 defines a plurality of notches or cutawayportions 40. A plurality of mounting flanges 42 project upward from thebottom piece 26 between the front and back sides 32 and 34 of thechassis 20. The mounting flanges 42 are adapted for connecting the jackmounts 22 to the chassis 20. For example, the mounting flanges 42 areshown including holes for allowing the jack mounts 22 to be screwed orbolted to the mounting flanges 42. The mounting flanges 42 definecutaway portions 44 that correspond to alternating ones of the cutawayportions 40 defined by the rear flange 38.

Cover members 46 are positioned between the mounting flanges 42 and therear flange 38. The cover members 46 define recesses 48 that align withthe cutaway portions 40 and 44 respectively defined by the rear flange38 and the mounting flanges 42. The cover members 46 function to concealscrews or other types of connecting members used to connect the jackmounts 22 to the mounting flanges 42. When coaxial rear interfaces(described later in the specification) are used in combination with thejack mounts 22, the cutaway portions 40 and 44 and the recesses 48provide clearance for allowing the coaxial connectors to be accessed. Inthis manner, the height of the chassis 20 can be minimized while stillproviding access to the lowermost coaxial connectors.

The chassis 20 also includes a cover plate 50 connected below the toppiece 24 of the chassis 20. A power strip 52 is connected to the frontcover plate 50. The power strip 52 includes a plurality of electricalreceptacles 54 electrically connected to a main power connector 56. Thereceptacles 54 align with and are set behind alignment openings 58defined by the cover plate 50.

As shown in FIG. 1, the jack mount 22 is part of a jack assemblyincluding odd jacks 62 a, even jacks 62 b, and a rear interface assembly64. The rear interface assembly 64 includes a dielectric support 66, anda circuit board 68 positioned between the dielectric support 66 and thejack mount 22. The odd and even jacks 62 a and 62 b preferably havedifferent configurations such that when the jacks 62 a and 62 b aremounted within the jack mount 22, plug bores defined by the jacks 62 aand 62 b are vertically staggered relative to one another.

II. Odd Jack Configuration

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate one of the odd jacks 62 a in isolation from thejack mount 22. The jack 62 a includes a dielectric jack body 70 a. Thedielectric jack body 70 a includes a top side 72 a and a bottom side 74a arranged and configured to slidingly interface with the jack mount 22.The jack body 70 a also includes a front side 76 a positioned oppositefrom a back side 78 a. The top side 72 a of the jack body 70 a includesan elongated guide member 80 a that extends between the front and backsides 76 a and 78 a of the jack body 70 a. As best shown in FIG. 3, theguide member 80 a tapers laterally outward as it extends from the backside 78 a toward the front side 76 a. Guide surfaces 82 a are positionedon opposite sides of the guide member 80 a. The guide surfaces 82 ainclude substantially parallel front and rear portions 84 a and 86 a.The front and rear portions 84 a and 86 a are interconnected by rampedportions 88 a such that the front portions 84 a are elevated relative tothe rear portions 86 a.

The bottom side 74 a of the jack body 70 a includes a guide member 90 athat extends between the back side 78 a of the jack body 70 a and atransverse wall 92 a. The guide member 90 a tapers laterally outward asit extends from the back side 78 a toward the transverse wall 92 a. Thetransverse wall 92 a forms a base end of a cantilevered locking member94 a that extends from the transverse wall 92 a toward the front side 76a of the jack body 70 a. A locking tab 96 a projects downward from thelocking member 94 a. A gripping member 98 a projects downward from afree end of the locking member 94 a. The locking member 94 a preferablyhas a resilient or elastic structure such that the locking member 94 acan be flexed upward by pressing upward on the gripping member 98 a. Byflexing the locking member 94 a, the locking member 94 a can be movedbetween a retaining position P_(a1) (shown in FIG. 4) and anon-retaining position P_(a2).

The bottom side 74 a additionally includes alignment members 100 a thatproject laterally outward from opposite sides of the guide member 90 a.The alignment members 100 a are also connected to the transverse wall 92a and at least partially define alignment notches 102 a positioned abovethe alignment members 100 a. Guide surfaces 89 a are positioned abovenotches 102 a and include front and rear portions 91 a and 93 ainterconnected by a ramped portion 95 a. The rear portions 93 a areelevated relative to the front portions 91 a.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the front side 76 a of the jack body 70 a isgenerally planar and defines a light emitting diode (LED) port 104 a, amonitor out port 106 a, an out port 108 a, an in port 110 a, and amonitor in port 112 a. The LED port 104 a is sized for receiving an LED114 a. Each of the other bores 106 a, 108 a, 110 a and 112 a is sized toreceive a standard tip-and-ring plug 116 a of known dimensions. The plug116 a includes a tip contact 118 a, a ring contact 120 a and acylindrical sleeve 122 a.

As shown in FIG. 3, the back side 78 a of the jack body 70 a is formedby a generally planar surface 124 a that is generally parallel withrespect to the front side 76 a. The planar back surface 124 a defines aplurality of back slots 126 a each having a generally rectangular shape.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the jack body 70 a also defines a monitor outchamber 128 a, an out chamber 130 a positioned below the monitor outchamber 128 a, an in chamber 132 a positioned below the out chamber 130a, and a monitor in chamber 134 a positioned below the in chamber 132 a.

The monitor out chamber 128 a is in communication with both the LED port104 a and the monitor out port 106 a. The LED 114 a is mounted withinthe LED port 104 a and includes first and second leads 136 a and 138 athat project into the monitor out chamber 128 a. The first lead 136 a iscontacted by an electrically conductive voltage spring 141 a, and thesecond lead 138 a contacts an electrically conductive tracer lamp spring142 a. Electrically conductive tip-and-ring springs 145 a and 144 a arepositioned within the monitor out chamber 128 a in general alignmentwith the monitor out port 106 a. The ring spring 144 a and the tipspring 145 a are separated by a dielectric spacer 182 a that isintegrally formed with the jack body 70 a. A LED return spring 143 a ispositioned between the ring spring 144 a and the tracer lamp spring 142a. When the tip-and-ring plug 116 is inserted within the monitor outport 106 a, the ring spring 144 a is flexed upwardly while the tipspring 145 a is flexed downwardly. The ring spring 144 a contacts thering contact 120 a, and the tip spring 145 a contacts the tip contact118 a of the plug 116 a. When the ring spring 144 a is flexed upward, itcauses the LED return spring 143 a to contact the second lead 138 a ofthe LED 114 a thereby illuminating the LED 114 a. A dielectric pad 184 aattached to the ring spring 144 a prevents the ring spring 144 a fromelectrically contacting the LED return spring 143 a.

The out chamber 130 a is in communication with the out port 108 a.Electrically conductive tip-and-ring springs 149 a and 146 a arepositioned within the out chamber 130 a in general alignment with theout port 108 a. The tip-and-ring springs 149 a and 146 a are normally inelectrical contact with the respective electrically conductive normalsprings 148 a and 147 a. The normal springs 147 a and 148 a areseparated by a dielectric spacer 184 a that is integrally formed withthe jack body 70 a. When the plug 116 a is inserted within the out port108 a, ring spring 146 a is disconnected from normal spring 147 a andelectrically contacts the ring contact 120 a of the plug 116 a.Concurrently, tip spring 149 a is disconnected from normal spring 148 aand electrically contacts the tip contact 118 a of the plug 116 a.

The in chamber 132 a is in communication with the in port 110 a.Electrically conductive tip-and-ring springs 150 a and 153 a arepositioned within the in chamber 132 a in general alignment with the inport 110 a. The tip-and-ring springs 150 a and 153 a are normally inelectrical contact with respective electrically conductive normalsprings 151 a and 152 a. Normal springs 151 a and 152 a are separated bya dielectric spacer 186 a that is integrally formed with the jack body70 a. When the plug 116 a is inserted within the in port 110 a, thetip-and-ring springs 150 a and 153 a are respectively disengaged fromthe normal springs 151 a and 152 a, and respectively make electricalcontact with the tip-and-ring contacts 118 a and 120 a of the plug 116a.

An electrically conductive sleeve ground spring 154 a is positionedbetween the in chamber 132 a and the monitor in chamber 134 a. Theground spring 154 a is electrically connected to a grounding strip 188 athat has electrical contacts corresponding to each of the ports 106 a,108 a, 110 a and 112 a. The contacts are configured to engage the sleeve122 a of the plug 116 a when the plug is inserted within the ports 106a, 108 a, 110 a and 112 a.

The monitor in chamber 134 a of the jack body 70 a is in communicationwith the monitor in port 112 a. Electrically conductive tip-and-ringsprings 155 a and 156 a are positioned within the monitor in chamber 134a in general alignment with the monitor in port 112 a. A dielectricspacer 190 a is positioned between the tip-and-ring springs 155 a and156 a. When the plug 116 a is inserted within the monitor in port 112 a,the tip spring 155 a makes electrical contact with the tip contact 118 aand the ring spring 156 a makes electrical contact with the ring contact120 a.

Referring to FIG. 4, the springs 141 a-156 a are preferably held withinthe jack body 70 a by a dielectric strip 191 a. The dielectric strip 191a is preferably press-fit or snapped within a corresponding slot definedby the jack body 70 a.

As best shown in FIG. 3, electrically conductive springs 141 a-156 aeach include portions 141 a′-156 a′ that extend through the slots 126 adefined by the back side 78 a of the jack body 70 a. The portions 141a′-156 a ′ project outward from the back side 78 a and form generallyflat contact members adapted for electrically connecting the springs 141a-156 a to a desired structure. As shown in FIG. 4, the portions 141a′-156 a′ have projection lengths that vary such that the tips of theportions 141 a′-156 a ′ are staggered. The staggered tips reduce theinsertion force required to connect the jack 62 a to a desired structurebecause all of the tips do not engage the desired structuresimultaneously upon insertion.

III. Even Jack Configuration

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate one of the even jacks 62 b in isolation from thejack mount 22. The jack 62 b includes a dielectric jack body 70 b havinga top side 72 b positioned opposite from a bottom side 74 b, and a frontside 76 b positioned opposite from a back side 78 b. The top side 72 bincludes a laterally tapered guide member 90 b, and a resilient lockingmember 94 b having an upwardly projecting locking tab 96 b. The lockingmember 94 b can be flexed between a retaining position P_(b1) and anon-retaining position P_(b2). A transverse wall 92 b is positionedgenerally between the locking member 94 b and the guide member 90 b.Alignment notches 102 b are formed generally below the transverse wall92 b on opposite sides of the guide member 90 b. Guide surfaces 89 b arepositioned below the notches 102 b on opposite sides of the guide member90 b. The guide surfaces 89 b include front portions 91 b elevatedrelative to rear portions 93 b, and ramped portions 95 b positionedbetween the front and rear portions 91 b and 93 b.

The bottom side 74 b of the jack body 70 b includes an elongated guidemember 80 b extending between the front and back sides 76 b and 78 b.The guide member 80 b tapers laterally outward as it extends from theback side 78 b toward the front side 76 b. The bottom side 74 b alsoincludes guide surfaces 82 b positioned on opposite sides of the guidemember 80 b. The guide surfaces 82 b include substantially parallelfront and back portions 84 b and 86 b. A ramped portion 88 binterconnects the front and back portions 84 b and 86 b such that theback portions 86 b are elevated relative to the front portions 84 b.

It will be appreciated that the top and bottom sides 72 b and 74 b ofthe jack body 70 b have different configurations than the top and bottomsides 72 a and 74 a of the jack body 70 a. Preferably, the top andbottom sides of the jack bodies 70 a and 70 b have varyingconfigurations in order to provide a keying function. For example, byvarying the configurations of the top and bottom sides of the jackbodies 70 a and 70 b, a user is prevented from placing the jacks 62 aand 62 b in the wrong positions on the jack mount 22. The user is alsoinhibited from inserting the jacks 62 a and 62 b upside-down into thejack mount 22.

As shown in FIG. 5, the front side 76 b of the jack body 70 b defines anLED port 104 b, a monitor out port 106 b, an out port 108 b, an in port110 b, and a monitor in port 112 b. It will be appreciated that theports 104 b, 106 b, 108 b, 110 b and 112 b are arranged in a differentpattern than the ports 104 a, 106 a, 108 a, 110 a and 112 a. Forexample, a larger spacing exists between the monitor out port 106 b andthe out port 108 b as compared to the monitor out port 106 a and the outport 108 a. Additionally, a reduced spacing exists between the in port110 b and the monitor in port 112 b as compared to the in port 110 a andthe monitor in port 112 a. It will be appreciated that the terms “port”and “bore” are intended to be used interchangeably.

The jack 62 b has similar internal components to those previouslydescribed with respect to the jack 62 a. For example, the jack 62 bincludes an LED 114 b electrically connected to a voltage spring 141 band a tracer lamp spring 142 b by leads 136 b and 138 b. An LED groundspring 143 b is used to complete the circuit and light the LED 114 b.The jack 62 b also includes tip-and-ring springs 145 b and 144 bcorresponding to the monitor out port 106 b, tip-and-ring springs 149 band 146 b corresponding to the out port 108 b, tip and ring springs 150b and 153 b corresponding to the in port 110 b and tip-and-ring springs155 b and 156 b corresponding to the monitor in port 112 b. Thering-and-tip springs 146 b and 149 b normally contact respective normalsprings 147 b and 148 b, and tip-and-ring springs 150 b and 153 bnormally contact respective normal springs 151 b and 152 b. The jack 62b also includes a sleeve ground spring 154 b interconnected to agrounding strip 188 b having sleeve contacts corresponding to each ofthe ports 106 b, 108 b, 110 b and 112 b. The conductive springs 141b-156 b each include end portions 141 b′-156 b′ (best shown in FIG. 6)that project outward from the back side 78 b of the jack body 70 b so asto form electrical contact members. As shown in FIG. 7, the tips of theend portions 141 a′-156 a′ are staggered.

IV. The Jack Mount

Referring now to FIG. 8, the jack mount 22 is shown in isolation fromthe chassis 20 with the jacks 62 a and 62 b removed. Generally, the jackmount 22 includes a mounting body 200 made of a dielectric material. Themounting body 200 includes a jack receiving piece 202 that can bedetachably connected to a cross-connect piece 204. As will be describedin greater detail below, the jack receiving piece 202 is adapted forhousing or holding the jacks 62 a and 62 b, while the cross-connectpiece 204 is adapted for providing cross-connects between jacks.

The jack receiving piece 202 of the mounting body 200 includes a frontside 206 positioned opposite from a back side 208. The piece 202 alsoincludes spaced-apart and substantially parallel top and bottom supports210 and 212 that extend generally between the front and back sides 206and 208. The top and bottom supports 210 and 212 are interconnected by aback wall 214 of the jack receiving piece 202. The top support 210, thebottom support 212 and the back wall 214 cooperate to define a jackmounting region or recess that opens outward toward the front side 206of the upper piece 202.

As shown in FIG. 9, the jack receiving piece 202 of the mounting body200 defines four separate jack mounting locations ML₁, ML₂, ML₃ and ML₄.Jack mounting locations ML₁ and ML₃ are adapted to receive the odd jacks62 a, while mounting locations ML₂ and ML₄ are adapted for receiving theeven jacks 62 b.

Mounting locations ML₁ and ML₃ each include top and bottom channels 224and 226 respectively formed on the top support 210 and the bottomsupport 212. The top and bottom channels 224 and 226 are configured torespectively complement the top and bottom sides 72 a and 74 a of thejacks 62 a. For example, referring to FIG. 10, the top channels 224 aretapered so as to compliment or match the taper of the guide members 80 aformed on the top sides 72 a of the jack bodies 70 a. Additionally, thewalls forming the top channels 224 have downwardly facing guide surfaces228 including front portions 230, rear portions 232 and ramped portions234 that respectively correspond to and complement the front portions 84a, rear portions 86 a and ramped portions 88 a of the guide surfaces 82a positioned along the top side 72 a of the jack body 70 a.

As shown in FIG. 11, the bottom channels 226 are tapered so as tocomplement or correspond to the taper of the guide member 90 apositioned at the bottom side 74 a of the jack body 70 a. The bottomchannels 226 also include end projections 236 adapted to mate with orfit within the alignment notches 102 a formed adjacent the bottom side74 a of the jack body 70 a. The walls forming the channels 226 haveupwardly facing guide surfaces 223 including front, rear and rampedportions 225, 227 and 229 that respectively complement the front, rear,and ramped portions 91 a, 93 a and 95 a of the guide surfaces 89 aformed on the bottom side of each jack 62 a.

The jack 62 a is mounted within one of the mounting locations ML₁ andML₃ by inserting the rear ends of the guide members 80 a and 90 arespectively within the top and bottom channels 224 and 226. The jack 62a is then pushed inward toward the back wall 214 of the jack receivingpiece 202 causing the guide members 80 a and 90 a to respectively slidealong the top and bottom channels 224 and 226. When the jack 62 a hasbeen fully inserted into the jack receiving piece 202, the locking tab96 a of the resilient locking member 94 a snaps within a hole 238 (shownin FIG. 11) defined by the bottom support 212. To remove the jack 62 afrom the jack mount 22, the resilient locking member 94 a is flexed fromthe retaining position P_(a1) to the non-retaining position P_(a2) suchthat the locking tab 96 a is displaced from the hole 238. The jack 62 acan then be manually pulled out from the jack receiving piece 202.

Jack mounting locations ML₂ and ML₄ each define top and bottom channels240 and 242 respectively formed on the top support 210 and the bottomsupport 212. The top channels 240 are configured to complement the shapeof the top side 72 b of the jack 62 b. For example, the top channels 240are tapered so as to complement the taper of the guide member 90 bformed on the top side 72 b of the jack 62 b. As shown in FIG. 10, thetop channels 240 also include projections 244 adapted to fit within thealignment notches 102 b formed on the jack body 70 b adjacent the topside 72 b. Furthermore, the walls defining the top channel 240 includedownwardly facing guide surfaces 246 including front portions 248, rearportions 250 and ramped portions 252 that respectively complement thefront, rear and ramped portions 91 b, 93 b and 95 b of the guidesurfaces 89 b formed on the top side 72 b of the jack body 70 b. It isfurther noted that the top support 210 defines openings 254 arranged andconfigured to receive the locking tab 96 b of the jack body 70 b whenthe jack 62 b is mounted within the jack mount 22.

The bottom channels 242 are each configured to compliment the bottomside 74 b of the jack body 70 b. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, thebottom channels 242 are tapered to correspond with the taper of theguide member 80 b formed on the bottom side 74 b of the jack body 70 b.Additionally, the walls defining the bottom channels 242 include guidesurfaces 256 having front, rear and ramped portions 258, 260 and 262arranged and configured to respectively complement the front, rear andramped portions 84 b, 86 b and 88 b of the guide surfaces 82 b formed onthe bottom side 74 b of the jack body 70 b.

The top and bottom channels 224, 226 of mounting locations ML₁ and ML₃,and the top and bottom channels 240, 242 of mounting locations ML₂ andML₄ have been designed in coordination with the top and bottom sides ofthe jacks 62 a and 62 b in order to provide a keying function. Forexample, the jack 62 a can only be mounted in the jack mount 22 if it isoriented in an upright position and is inserted into either one of thejack mounting locations ML₁ and ML₃. Interference between the top andbottom sides of the jack 62 a and the top and bottom channels 240 and242 prevents the jack 62 a from being inserted into either one ofmounting locations ML₂ and ML₄. Similarly, the even jack 62 b can onlybe mounted at mounting locations ML₂ and ML₄. If the user attempts toinsert the jack 62 b into either of the jack mounting locations ML₁ andML₃, the jack 62 b will bind with the top and bottom channels 224 and226 thereby preventing the jack 62 b from being fully inserted into thejack mount 22.

As shown in FIG. 9, mounting locations ML₁ and ML₃ each include acorresponding pattern or array of openings 264 defined through the backwall 214 of the jack receiving piece 202 of the mounting body 200. Theopenings 264 are configured to receive the spring ends 141 a′-156 a′that project outward from the back side 78 a of each jack 62 a.Similarly, each of mounting locations ML₂ and ML₄ includes acorresponding pattern or array of openings 266 formed through the backwall 214 of the jack receiving piece 202 of the mounting body 200. Theopenings 266 are configured to receive the spring ends 141 b′-156 b′that project outward from the back side 78 b of each jack 62 b.

Referring to FIG. 12, the openings 264 and 266 extend completely throughthe back wall 214. Connection pins 268 are mounted within each of theopenings 264 and 266. As shown in FIG. 14, each of the connection pins268 includes a pin portion 270 that projects outward from the back side208 of the jack receiving piece 202, and two opposing, cantileveredcontact members 272 that are press fit within the openings 264 and 266.In the assembly view of FIG. 14, the connection pins 268 are shownconnected to elongated installation tools 274 (e.g., the connection pins268 and the installation tools 274 have been stamped from a common stripof conductive material). The installation tools 274 maintain a verticalspacing between the connection pins 268 that corresponds to the verticalspacing of the openings 264 and 266. For example, the installation tools274 labeled A and B align the connection pins 268 in a pattern thatcorresponds to the pattern defined by the openings 264. The installationtools 274 labeled C and D align the connection pins 268 in a patternthat corresponds to the pattern defined by the openings 266. Theinstallation tools 274 are used to press multiple pins 268 in theopenings 264 and 266 at once. After the pins have been pressed withinthe openings 264 and 266, the tools 274 are laterally twisted causingthe pins to break-off within the openings 264 and 266.

When the jacks 62 a are mounted within the jack mount 22, the springextensions 141 a′-156 a′ fit within the openings 264 and are compressedbetween the opposing contact members 272 of the connection pins 268 suchthat the spring contacts 141 a-156 a are electrically connected to thepins 268. Similarly, when the jacks 62 b are mounted within the jackmount 22, the spring extensions 141 b′-156 b′ fit within the openings266 and are compressed between the opposing contact members 272 of theconnection pins 268 to provide an electrical interface between the jacksprings 141 b-156 b and the connection pins 268. The variable lengths ofthe spring extensions 141 a′-156 a′ and 141 b′-156 b′ assist in reducingthe insertion force required to press the spring extensions between thecontact members 272.

Referring back to FIG. 8, the cross-connect piece 204 of the mountingbody 200 is adapted for providing cross-connections between jacks. Forexample, four columns (C₁-C₄) and five rows (R₁—R₅) of wire terminationmembers 276 (e.g., wire wrap members or posts) are shown projectingoutward from a front face 278 of the piece 204. It will be appreciatedthat the removability of the cross-connect piece 204 from the jackreceiving piece 202 is significant because different types of wiretermination members or contacts can be used to providecross-connections. For example, for certain applications, it may bedesired to use insulation displacement connectors (IDC) for providingcross-connections between jacks. By using cross-connect pieces 204 thatare separate from the jack mounting portion 202, cross-connect pieceshaving different types of connectors can be used with the common base toenhance manufacturing efficiency. While wire wrap members and insulationdisplacement connectors have been specifically described, it will beappreciated that other types of connectors could also be used.

To provide a detachable interface between the jack receiving piece 202and the cross-connect piece 204, the cross-connect piece 204 includestwo spaced-apart tongues 280 (shown in FIG. 8) that are slidinglyreceived within corresponding spaced-apart grooves 282 (shown in FIG.13) defined by the jack receiving piece 202. To connect thecross-connect piece 204 to the jack-receiving piece 202, the tongues 280are aligned with the grooves 282 and the cross-connect piece 204 is slidfrom the back side 208 of the jack receiving piece 202 toward the frontside 206. The tongues 280 are slid along the grooves 282 until the frontface 278 of the cross-connect piece 204 engages a shoulder 284 definedby the piece 202. When the cross-connect piece 204 engages the shoulder284, an upwardly projecting tab 286 (shown in FIG. 8) formed on thecross-connect piece 204 snaps within a locking opening 288 (shown inFIG. 14) defined by a resilient clip 290 formed at the bottom of thejack receiving piece 202. To remove the cross-connect piece 204 from thejack-receiving piece 202, the clip 290 is flexed upwardly such that thetab 286 disengages from the opening 288, and the lower piece 204 ispulled in a rearward direction from the upper body 202.

V. Twisted Pair Rear Interface

FIG. 15 illustrates the dielectric support 66 of the rear interfaceassembly 64 removed from the circuit board 68. The dielectric support 66includes a front side 300 adapted to face the circuit board 68, and aback side 302 adapted to face away from the circuit board 68. As shownin FIG. 16, the rear interface assembly 64 also includes four columns(C_(a)-C_(d)) and four rows (R_(a)—R_(d)) of wire termination members304 press fit within holes defined by the dielectric support 66. Thewire termination members 304 are shown as wire wrap members. However, itwill be appreciated that other types of wire termination members such asinsulation displacement connectors could also be used.

Referring to FIG. 16, the wire termination members 304 are adapted tocontact plated through-holes 306 in the circuit board 68. Similarly, thewire termination members 276 of the jack mount 22 connect with platedthrough-holes 308 in the circuit board 68. The plated through-holes 306are oriented in rows that are positioned between rows R₁—R₅. The circuitboard 68 also includes a plurality of additional plated through-holes310 positioned to make electrical contacts with the connector pins 268that project outward from the back wall 214 of the jack mount upperpiece 202 (shown in FIG. 12).

The dielectric support 66 of the rear interface assembly 64 defines aprotective receptacle 318 in which a voltage lead 312, a return lead 314and a sleeve ground lead 316 are mounted. The receptacle 318 is adaptedto interconnect with the receptacles 54 formed on the power strip 52 ofthe chassis 20. When the jacks 62 a and 62 b are mounted within the jackmount 22, the voltage springs 141 a, 141 b of the jacks are placed inelectrical connection with the voltage leads 312, the return spring 143a, 143 b of the jacks 62 a, 62 b are placed in electrical connectionwith the return leads 314, and the ground springs 154 a, 154 b of thejacks 62 a, 62 b are placed in electrical connection with the shieldground leads 316.

Referring to FIG. 17, when the jack assembly 60 is assembled, theprinted circuit board 68 is positioned between the jack mount 22 and thedielectric support 66 (the jacks of the assembly are not shown in FIG.17). The circuit board 68 includes a plurality of circuit paths forelectrically connecting selected ones of the connection pins 268 to thereceptacle leads 312, 314 and 316, to the wire termination members 304of the rear interface assembly 64, and to the cross-connect wiretermination members 276. The single circuit board 68 is adapted forconnecting all four jacks 62 a and 62 b (shown in FIG. 1) to the leads312, 314 and 316, and to the their corresponding columns of rearinterface wire termination members 304 and cross-connect wiretermination members 276. When the jacks 62 a and 62 b are removed fromthe jack mount 22, the jacks 62 a and 62 b are disconnected from thecircuit board 68.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the circuit board 68, the jack mount 22 andthe dielectric support 66 define coaxially aligned openings sized toreceive fasteners 69 (e.g., bolts or screws) for connecting the piecestogether. The fasteners 69 extend through captivation washers 71 thatare press-fit over the fasteners 69. The captivation washers 71 and thefasteners 69 hold the jack mount 22, the circuit board 68 and thedielectric support 66 together after assembly and inhibit the piecesfrom being unintentionally pulled apart prior to connection to thechassis 20. The assembly 60 is connected to the chassis 20 by threadingthe fasteners within holes defined by the chassis 20 (e.g., holesdefined by the flanges 42 and the coverplate 50 of the chassis 20).

In use of the jack assembly 60, columns C₁-C₄ of cross-connect wiretermination member 276 are respectively connected to jacks positioned inmounting locations ML₁-ML₄. The wire termination members 276 of row R₁are tracer lamp contacts (TL), the wire termination members 276 of rowR₂ are cross-connect tip-out contacts (XTO), the wire terminationmembers 276 of row R₃ are cross-connect ring-out contacts (XRO), thewire termination members 276 of row R₄ are cross-connect tip-in contacts(XTI), and the wire termination members 276 of row R₅ are cross-connectring-in contacts (XRI).

Columns C_(a)-C_(d) of the IN/OUT termination members 304 arerespectively in electrical contact with jacks inserted within jackmounting locations ML₁-ML₄. The wire termination members 304 of rowR_(a) are tip-out contacts (TO), the wire termination members 304forming row R_(b) are ring-out contacts (RO), the wire terminationmembers 304 forming row R_(c) are tip-in contacts (TI), and the wiretermination members 304 forming row R_(d) are ring-in contacts (RI).

FIG. 18 is a circuit diagram illustrating the electrical connectionsmade when one of the jacks 62 b is inserted within jack mountinglocation ML₄. It will be appreciated that similar electricalconfigurations are used to interconnect jacks placed in mountinglocations ML₁-ML₃ with the corresponding columns of contacts C₁-C₃ andC_(a)-C_(c).

Referring to FIG. 18, the voltage spring 141 b is electrically connectedto an energized contact point (e.g., the voltage lead 312) forilluminating the LED. The tracer lamp spring 142 b is connected to thetracer lamp contact TL of column C₄. The return spring 143 b isconnected to the return lead 314. The shield ground spring 154 b isconnected to the shield ground lead 316. The out ring spring 146 b isconnected to the ring-out contact RO by circuit path 404. The ringnormal spring 147 b is connected to the cross-connect ring-out contactXRO of column C₄. The tip normal spring 148 b is connected to thecross-connect tip-out contact XTO of column C₄. Tip spring 149 b isconnected to the tip-out contact TO of column C_(d) by circuit path 406.The monitor out ring spring 144 b is connected to circuit path 404, andthe monitor out tip spring 145 b is connected to circuit path 406. Tipspring 150 b is connected to the tip-in contact TI of column C_(d) bycircuit path 408. Tip normal spring 151 b is connected to thecross-connect tip-in contact XTI of column C₄, and ring normal spring152 b is electrically connected to the cross-connect ring-in contact XRIof column C₄. Ring spring 153 b is connected to the ring-in RI contactof column C_(d) by circuit path 410. Tip spring 155 b is connected tocircuit path 408, while ring spring 156 b is connected to circuit path410.

Cross-connection of a signal from another jack arrives as an IN signalfrom cross-connect tip-in and ring-in contacts XTI and XRI of column C₄.With no plug inserted within the in port 110 b, the IN signal is outputat the tip-in and ring-in contacts TI and RI of column C_(d).

By inserting a plug within the in port 110 b, the IN signal from across-connected jack can be interrupted and a signal from the insertedplug can be outputted at points TI and RI. Similarly, by inserting aplug within the out port 108 b, the OUT signal from contact points TOand RO is interrupted and may be outputted to the tip-and-ring contactsof the plug inserted within the out port 108 b.

Frequently it is desirable to be able to monitor OUT signals arrivingthrough contacts TO and RO without interrupting the OUT signals. Toaccomplish this, a plug is inserted into the monitor port 106 b. On thisoccurrence, the plug is able to tap into the OUT signals beingtransmitted through circuit paths 404 and 406. Additionally, when theplug is inserted into the port 106 b, the return spring 143 b is biasedupward into contact with the second lead 138 b of the tracer lamp 114 b.The electrical connection between the second lead 138 b and the returnspring 143 b connects the LED circuit to the return line 314 therebyilluminating the LED. Integrated circuit chip 184 b controls flashing ofthe LED 114 b as is conventionally known in the art. In addition toactivating the LED, insertion of a plug into the monitor port 106 b alsogrounds the tracer lamp line TL causing illumination of a LED on a jackto which the present jack is cross-connected.

At times it is also desired to be able to monitor signals on the IN linewithout interrupting the IN line signal. To accomplish this, a plug isinserted into the monitor in port 112 b. When the plug is inserted intothe port 112 b, the plug taps into the in signal being transmittedthrough circuit path 408 between contacts XTI and TI, and circuit path410 between contacts XRI and RI.

VI. Coaxial Rear Interface Assembly

FIG. 19 illustrates a rear interface assembly 500 adapted to be securedto the jack mount 22. As shown in FIG. 20, the rear interface assembly500 includes eight coaxial connectors 502. Four of the connectors 502are IN connectors and four are OUT connectors. It will be appreciatedthat the rear interface assembly 500 and the rear interface assembly 64are both compatible with or mountable on a common jack. Hence, the samejack can be used to manufacture jack assemblies suited for eithertwisted pair or coaxial type signals. By using common parts,manufacturing efficiency is enhanced.

FIGS. 21-23 illustrate one of the connectors 502. As shown in FIG. 23,the connector 502 is a type 1.6/5.6 connector and includes a groundedmain body 512, a center conductor 514, and an insulator 517 mountedbetween the center conductor 514 and the main body 512. The main bodyincludes a nut portion 516 having a generally hexagonal configuration.First and second threaded portions 518 and 520 are positioned onopposite sides of the nut portion 516. As best shown in FIG. 23, themain body also includes a pair of spaced-apart axial projections 522that project axially from the main body 512. The first threaded portion518 is positioned between the projections 522 and the nut portion 516,and the second threaded portion is adapted for connection to a coaxialconnector. The axial projections 522 include notches 524 forfacilitating terminating wires. The central conductor also projectsoutward the main body 512 at a location between the axial projections522.

While a 1.6/5.6 type connector is shown, it will be appreciated thatother types of coaxial connector could be used. For example, FIGS. 24-26show a BNC style connector 502′ suitable for use with the rear interfaceassembly. The connector 502′ includes a grounded main body 512′, acenter conductor 514′, and a three-legged insulator 517′ mounted betweenthe center conductor 514′ and the main body 512′. The main body includesa nut portion 516′ having a generally hexagonal configuration, and apair of spaced-apart axial projections 522′ that project axially fromthe main body 512′. A threaded portion 518′ is positioned axiallybetween the nut portion 516′ and the projections 522′. The axialprojections include notches 524′ for facilitating terminating wires. Thecentral conductor 514′ projects outward from the main body 512′ at alocation between the axial projections 522′.

Referring again to FIG. 19, the rear interface assembly 500 includes adielectric support 506 having a front side 508 that faces the jack mount22 and a back side 510 that faces away from the jack mount 22. A circuitboard 507 is positioned between the support 506 and the jack mount 22.The coaxial connectors 502 project outward from the back side 510 toprovide access for connections. As shown in FIG. 20, the nut portions516 of the connectors 502 are mounted within hexagon-shaped recesses 509defined by the support 506. The nut portions 516 seat upon shoulders(not shown) within the recesses 509.

The circuit board 507, the jack mount 22 and the dielectric support 506define coaxially aligned openings sized to receive fasteners 569 (e.g.,bolts or screws) for connecting the pieces together. The fasteners 569are preferably press fit through captivation washers (not shown) thathold the pieces 22, 507 and 506 together after assembly. The fasteners569 are also used to connect the pieces 22, 507 and 506 to the chassis20 (shown in FIG. 1).

A receptacle 513 for connection to one of the receptacles 54 of thepower strip 52 also projects outward from the back side 510. Thereceptacle 513 is arranged to house a voltage lead 562, a return lead561 and a sleeve ground lead 560. The leads 560-562 are electricallyconnected to the circuit board 507.

As shown in FIG. 19, the axial projections 522 and center conductors 514extend through the dielectric support 506 and into chambers 546 formedin the front side 508 of the support 506. The front side 508 of thesupport 506 also defines a plurality of pockets 525 in which baluns 526are retained or housed. One balun 526 corresponds to each connector 502.The front side 508 further includes a plurality of mounting bosses orpedestals 528 in which a plurality connection pins 530 are press fit orstaked. The pins 530 project outward from the front side 508 and arearranged in a predetermined array that corresponds to an array ofcontacts (e.g., plated through-holes) of the circuit board 507. Toaccommodate the arrangement of the pins 530, the circuit board 507typically has a different contact and circuit pathway configuration thanthe circuit board 68 of the twisted pair rear interface assembly 64.

Referring now to FIG. 27, the dielectric support 506 includes aconnector support piece 532 that is detachably connected to a balunhousing piece 534. The balun housing piece 534 includes the generallyrectangular pockets 525 for retaining the baluns 526, and the pedestals528 for mounting the pins 530. The connectors 502 are secured to theconnector support piece 532 by internally threaded lock rings 536 thatare threaded on the first threaded portions 518 of the connectors 502.To support the connectors 502, the support piece 532 includes integrallyformed cylindrical sleeves 538 defining through-holes 540 for receivingthe connectors 502. The cylindrical sleeves 538 also include rearseating surfaces 542 against which the lock rings 536 are tightened whenthe lock rings 536 are threaded on the first threaded portions 518 ofthe connectors. Interference between the lock rings 536 and the rearseating surfaces 542 prevent the connectors 502 from being pulled fromthe connector support piece 532. When the pieces 532 and 534 areconnected, the rings 536 are concealed or housed within a chamber formedbetween the pieces 532 and 534.

The balun housing piece 534 defines the chambers 546 into which theextensions 522 and the central conductors 514 of the plugs 502 projectwhen the assembly 500 is assembled. For example, at each chamber 546 thebalun housing piece 534 defines two curved openings 550 (shown in FIGS.28-30) for receiving the extensions 522 of the connectors 502, and acircular opening 552 between the curved openings 550 for receiving thecentral conductors 514 of the plugs 502. The housing piece 534 alsodefines a plurality of covers 554 for covering one of each pair ofextension members 522.

Referring still to FIGS. 28-30, the conductive pins 530 are divided intoeight pairs of tip and ring contacts with each pair of tip and ringcontacts corresponding to one of the connectors 502. The pairs of pins530 corresponding to the OUT connectors 502 have been labeled TO (tipout) and RO (ring out), while the pairs of pins 530 corresponding to theIN connectors 502 have been labeled TI (tip in) and RI (ring in). When acoaxial signal arrives through one of the OUT connectors 502, the balun526 corresponding to the connector converts the unbalanced coaxialsignals to balanced twisted pair signals (i.e., tip and ring signals).The tip signal is forwarded from the balun 526 to its corresponding TOpin and the ring signal is forwarded to its corresponding RO pin. Fromthe RO and TO pins, the signals are directed to a corresponding jackmounted within the jack mount 22 via circuit pathways on the circuitboard 507. The baluns 526 corresponding to the IN connectors 502 areadapted to convert balanced twisted pair signals into unbalanced coaxialsignals. For example, when tip and ring signals from a cross-connectedjack arrive at one of the baluns 526, the balun converts the tip andring signals into a coaxial signal that is outputted through the balun'scorresponding IN connector. It will be appreciated that the electricalpathways that connect the TO, RO, TI and RI pins to corresponding jacksmounted within the jack mount 22 can be schematically depicted in thatsame manner as the TO, RO, TI and RI contacts of FIG. 18. It will alsobe appreciated that the baluns 526 function to match the impedancebetween the unbalanced coaxial signals and the balanced twisted pairsignals.

Still referring to FIGS. 28-30, the baluns 526 preferably comprisetorroid magnets each having two wound wires 570 and 572. The wires 570,572 respectively terminate at ends 570 a, 570 b and 572 a, 572 b. Toelectrically connect one of the baluns 526, the ends 570 a, 570 b arerespectively terminated at the central conductor 514 and one of theextensions 522 of the balun's corresponding connector 502, and the ends572 a, 572 b are respectively terminated at the tip pin and the ring pincorresponding to the balun.

Having described preferred aspects and embodiments of the presentinvention, modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts mayreadily occur to one skilled in the art. However, it is intended thatsuch modifications and equivalents be included within the scope of theclaims which are appended hereto.

1. A telecommunications component, comprising: a jack mount including afront side and a back side; a plurality of jacks insertable into thejack mount through the front side, each jack including: a) a dielectricbody having a front face positioned opposite from a rear face, the frontface defining a plurality of bores sized to receive plugs having tip andring contacts; b) a plurality of electrically conductive tip and ringsprings for contacting the tip and ring contacts when the plugs areinserted in the bores; c) a plurality of normal contacts that normallyengage the tip and ring springs when the plugs are not inserted in thebores; d) the tip springs, the ring springs and the normal contactsincluding rear extensions that project outwardly from the rear face; aplurality of cross-connect contacts accessible from the front side ofthe jack mount; a plurality of separate circuit boards positioned behindthe back side of the jack mount; a plurality of dielectric year coverpieces positioned behind the circuit boards, each of the dielectric rearcover pieces covering a corresponding one of the circuit boards; and aplurality of rear connectors that project rearwardly from the rear coverpieces. 2-23. (canceled)